Long Beach Gun Possession Lawyer

Defending Long Beach Clients Facing Firearms Charges

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution allows all American citizens to purchase and own firearms. However, each state has the right to restrict the purchase of firearms to certain individuals. Unfortunately, California is notorious for having some of the most restrictive gun laws in the United States. As a result, it’s relatively common for people to unintentionally violate California’s firearm laws and face criminal prosecution, even when they made honest mistakes. Therefore, it’s crucial for Long Beach, CA, residents to understand California’s firearms laws and what they should do if they are charged with breaking any of them.

A Long Beach weapons possession defense attorney can provide the legal counsel you need when you have been accused of breaking any of California’s strict firearms laws. Your attorney can help you provide evidence that shows you either did not break the law or did not intend to break the law, potentially helping you avoid conviction or reducing your sentence. A conviction for firearms-related offenses in California may lead to a loss of your constitutional right to own firearms. If you wish to retain this right in the face of wrongful or overblown charges, you need a defense attorney with experience to guide you through your criminal court proceedings.

Why You Need a Long Beach Weapons Possession Defense Attorney

Every American citizen has constitutional rights, some of which come into play when an individual is arrested for criminal activity. For example, the Sixth Amendment guarantees all American citizens the right to legal counsel when they are accused of committing a crime. If they cannot afford an attorney, the court can appoint a legal representative known as a public defender to provide them with legal counsel. A defendant may also choose a public defender if they simply do not wish to pay for a private defense attorney’s legal fees.

Most public defenders are experienced and hardworking attorneys, but they must manage several cases at a time and typically cannot provide much individual attention to each client they represent. By comparison, working with a private Long Beach weapons possession defense attorney can mean more robust defense on your side as your case unfolds.

Commonly Prosecuted Weapons Charges in California

It’s essential for all Long Beach, CA, residents to understand how firearms charges work in the state criminal justice system. It’s possible to not only face charges specifically related to weapons possession, but also other criminal charges enhanced in sentencing because the defendant used a weapon in the course of committing another crime. Some basic weapons charges that may lead to criminal prosecution include:

• Carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed carry permit. It’s legal to carry a concealed weapon only as long as you obtain a concealed carry permit. Concealing a weapon without the appropriate permit is a serious criminal offense in California.
• Illegal sale of firearms. Private firearms sales between individuals are legal in California, but the transaction must pass through a registered firearms dealer. If you purchase a gun directly from someone else without completing a transfer with a registered firearms dealer, you can face criminal charges.
• Possession of illegal weapons. California only allows citizens to purchase certain weapons, such as handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic rifles. It is illegal to purchase an assault weapon, which is any weapon capable of fully automatic fire. A semi-automatic weapon will fire one round with each squeeze of the trigger, and a fully automatic weapon allows for continuous rapid fire as long as the trigger remains squeezed.
• Illegal weapons possession by a convicted felon. Anyone convicted of a felony in California will lose their right to purchase and own firearms. In addition, if you are arrested in possession of a firearm with a felony record, you can face substantial criminal charges.
• Carrying weapons in gun-free zones. Certain areas in California, such as schools and public buildings, are designated as gun-free zones. Carrying any weapon inside a gun-free zone can lead to criminal charges, even if the gun owner has a valid concealed carry permit or the gun is in their vehicle. In addition, a long gun such as a rifle or shotgun may only pass through a gun-free zone inside a locked container.

Some other criminal offenses will also lead to significantly harsher penalties if a weapon is involved. For example, robbery can be either a misdemeanor or a felony in California under certain conditions, but if the defendant used a weapon during a robbery, even if they did not fire it, their sentence could increase dramatically. Firearms can also potentially escalate the penalties for other criminal offenses such as carjacking, assault, rape, and domestic violence. Typically, imprisonment would increase by 10 years if the defendant used a gun in committing another crime, and their sentence increases by 20 years if they fired the gun. They would face 25 years to life in prison if they fired the gun and hurt or killed someone.

How to Build Your Defense Against Weapons Charges in Long Beach, CA

If you or a loved one has been charged with illegal weapons possession or another crime enhanced by using a firearm, it is essential to speak with a Long Beach weapons possession attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney’s job is to review the details of your case and help you determine your best available defenses. It may be possible to secure a case dismissal if your attorney can prove that you were wrongfully arrested or if the police failed to uphold due process laws in executing your arrest.
Even if you made a mistake and illegally possessed a firearm, the right attorney can potentially help you mitigate your penalties and secure a lighter sentence. The team at the Law Offices of Henry Salcido has years of experience handling weapons-related criminal cases and providing clients with robust defense. We understand that California enforces some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, and sometimes these laws are applied unjustly or unfairly.

If you are ready to discuss your criminal case with a reliable and experienced Long Beach gun possession defense attorney, the team at the Law Offices of Henry Salcido is ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a reliable defense attorney and learn more about how our firm can help you navigate your criminal case with greater confidence.